As people begin the traditional last-minute dash for Christmas shopping, Irish retailers have not yet noticed any real increase on 2018 but that may all be about to change. It could be up by 1 or 2 per cent.”If there is one sign of an early gift to the bricks-and-mortar sector it is the first indication that online shopping might be starting to level off. Mr Kennedy said online retail “is probably reaching close to its height”. “In fairness, Irish retailers are beginning to match these offers and putting themselves into a position to compete. But the UK online retailers have big resources,” Mr Kennedy said.

Source: The Irish Times December 20, 2019 11:48 UTC